Out with the Old, In with the New

Get rid of the stuff that's holding you back.

What have you outgrown (not in a physical sense, unless that's somehow relevant)? Think on it. You are still allowed to MISS what you've outgrown, but that doesn't change the fact that you've outgrown it.

On that note, what DON'T you miss? Use that as a force to push you in a better, more positive direction. We all have memories of days, months, and even years we'd rather forget. Perhaps you'd like to wash away some recollection of pain or misery? The thing is, in NOT forgetting about it, we become stronger people. So, don't erase. Instead, remember. And then ask yourself, "Why don't I miss that?" And use it like a tool to propel yourself forward.

What aren't you quite ready for? Be honest with yourself. It's okay to realize you're not exactly ready for everything all at once. Not many of us are. It can still be a tangible goal, whatever it is you're not quite ready for--because you just have to tell yourself: I'm not ready for it YET.

And finally, when all these questions have been asked and perhaps re-asked, ask the most important question of all: What are you looking forward to?

What are you waiting for? I can't answer that FOR you! :)

A Daily Reminder

I've programed my cell phone to alarm (silently) every morning at 9:00 AM in order to display a reminder message.

The daily reminder?

"I like myself."

Yes. That's what my phone tells me to remember.

Sometimes we all need reminding. I hear you--you're saying, "But I don't like myself." Well, if you don't like yourself yet, just wait. A few weeks of seeing that daily message and it might start to sink in.

Q & A for a Rocky Road

Question: What's the mentality of a person who wants recovery?

Answer: The mentality (of a person who wants recovery) is one that will do whatever it takes to be rid of the eating disorder. The mentality is one of determination, desire, and hope.

We may not all be pillars of strength—especially in our own minds—but that doesn't mean we don't have the drive and determination to get better. If you have the real desire to truly recover, it's within your reach. And if you have the hope that it can and will happen, it's waiting for you. Understand that first and foremost, and you have taken the first step. It's a mental step, sure, but it's a significant step.

If you try to walk up the steps and the first step at the bottom is missing, you're going to trip…or worse—you're going to slip right on through and fall harder.

Mold your mentality first. Understand that you can do it. Don't try, yet still in your heart of hearts think it's impossible. You won't get anywhere that way. You'll keep hitting road blocks.

That's not to say that a path of recovery is without obstacles just because you have the right mentality. The path of recovery is going to be a difficult one no matter what, but that doesn't mean you can't travel it—it just means you have to be prepared.

And you know what happens when you manage to get to the end of a long and rocky road: the reward is that much sweeter.

 

The New Year: Just Another Day

 

"It's just another day, dear," he said. My husband, that is. He was referring to the New Year—the first day of 2009 that everyone makes such a big deal about—awaiting its arrival at midnight like it's some terribly consequential moment. Truth is, it's not. It's a cause for celebration, sure. It's a day that will never come again, yes. But, as my husband said, it's just another day.

 

There I was, putting so much emphasis on the new year, acting as if it was some powerful force—something more powerful than I am. Though I sort of brushed aside the comment "It's just another day, dear" at the time, I've actually been thinking about it a lot recently…pondering it and grasping its meaning.

 

The new year is what we make it and yes, resolutions are great to have. They keep us on track. They keep us putting our best foot forward. But what are New Year's resolutions really? They're regular goals, that's what. You can make a resolution on January 1^st or you can make one on June 25^th—it's still a resolution.

 

Sometimes the new year can be triggering. It can bring up memories we'd rather forget. It can cause us to reflect and feel disappointed in ourselves. It can also be very scary; it's a fresh year we don't want to mess up—how can that possibly NOT make us a little afraid?

 

First things first: Your goals are YOURS and no one else's. Remember that. Don't let what other people think or feel influence your lack of confidence in yourself.

 

Second: Think of the new year as a blank page upon which to write down all your hopes and plans. Don't think of it as a problem to overcome.

 

Third: Don't don't don't think of the new year as something huge. It's not. It's "just another day." It's just another year of days that we can live through in the best way we know how.

 

Cheers to you!

My Motto for 2009

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Live for TODAY.

 

 

 

Let me hear you say it.

 

Go ahead.

 

 

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Live for TODAY.

 

 

 

Mmm-hmm. Go for it.